A major new sports enclave is set to transform Ahmedabad into one of Asia’s leading sports tourism destinations, following the unveiling of a landmark masterplan led by a consortium of BDP, Cox Architecture and Collage Design.
Located along the Sabarmati River, the development will create a dynamic, multi-use sports district that blends elite competition venues with public spaces, positioning the city as a year-round hub for both international events and community activity.
The timing of the project aligns with Ahmedabad’s growing global sporting ambitions. Also known as Amdavad, the city has been confirmed as host of the Commonwealth Games centenary edition in 2030, while Gujarat will also stage the 2029 World Police & Fire Games. Together, these events are expected to accelerate infrastructure development, unlock investment and generate more than 20,000 jobs across hospitality, retail and tourism sectors.
At the heart of the masterplan is a green boulevard anchored by the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium, already the world’s largest cricket venue. Surrounding it, a cluster of world-class facilities will deliver a comprehensive sports ecosystem designed for both elite performance and spectator engagement.
Key venues include a flagship International Tennis Centre, an 18,000-seat indoor arena and a 12,000-seat Aquatic Centre, alongside a National Institute of Sports Excellence that will serve as a high-performance training base for future Indian athletes.
The tennis centre is set to become one of the largest of its kind in India, featuring a 10,000-seat centre court, multiple show courts and eight match courts. Designed with a strong focus on climate responsiveness, the venue incorporates a floating roof structure and natural ventilation systems, while a central fan plaza will create a vibrant focal point for spectators. Beyond major events, the facility will transition into a year-round tennis club with hospitality and leisure offerings.
Meanwhile, the indoor arena will be built to host international competitions in sports such as basketball and gymnastics, while also supporting concerts and large-scale entertainment events – further strengthening Ahmedabad’s appeal as a multi-purpose destination.
The Aquatic Centre will be designed to meet global federation standards for swimming, diving and artistic swimming, with flexible seating that reduces post-event to support community use. Its striking lantern-inspired architecture draws on local cultural references while incorporating passive cooling and sustainable design features.
A defining element of the project is its integration with nature and the wider city. The Sabarmati riverfront will be reimagined as a central Games Plaza, capable of hosting major ceremonies before evolving into a vibrant public space with dining, recreational facilities and an expansive urban park.
Guided by principles of sustainability, climate responsiveness and cultural authenticity, the enclave is designed to deliver a lasting legacy – serving not only as a stage for global sport, but as a “green lung” and social hub for Ahmedabad’s residents.
Images: bdp.com